A board game cover with an illustration of a detailed spaceship flying in space with a large planet and a smaller celestial body in the background. The game's title, "AZHANTI HIGH LIGHTNING," and the description "TRAVELLER Adventure Aboard an Imperial Starship" are printed in white lettering at the bottom. The logo "GDW" appears in white at the top left corner.
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Azhanti High Lightning (1980)

ByMichail

Azhanti High Lightning

Azhanti High Lightning is a science-fiction wargame designed by Frank Chadwick and Marc W. Miller, published by Game Designers Workshop (GDW) in 1980. The game is set on a large military starship, providing a backdrop for close-action combat between individuals on board. It was the fourth Traveller boardgame published by GDW and was later republished in 2004 as part of Far Future Enterprises’ (FFE) Traveller series. The game received positive reviews for its quality and playability, earning the Charles S. Roberts Award for “Best Fantasy or Science Fiction Game of 1980”.

Game Components of Azhanti High Lightning

  • Rulebook: A 44-page rulebook detailing the modified Traveller combat system.
  • Supplement: A 44-page supplement, including Supplement 5: Lightning Class Cruisers.
  • Deck Plans: Fourteen 14″ x 22″ full-color maps representing the various decks of the ship, with each square representing 1.5 meters.
  • Counters: Cardboard counters for units, leaders, equipment, and status markers.
  • Scenarios: Six pre-designed scenarios, including violent boarding, stealthy boarding, theft from the holds, salvage, mutiny, and escape from the brig.

    How To Setup Azhanti High Lightning

    Setting up Azhanti High Lightning involves preparing the deck plans, distributing counters, and assigning scenarios. Players start by laying out the deck plans, which represent different areas of the starship. Each player secretly writes orders for their counters, each of which has six action points to expend during the turn. The game is divided into six phases, with each turn representing 15 seconds. Players then execute their actions according to the phases, managing hand-to-hand combat and rifle fire.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Turn Structure: Each turn is 15 seconds, divided into six phases.
  • Action Points: Each counter has six action points to use during the turn.
  • Combat: Includes hand-to-hand fighting and rifle fire, with rules for cover, concealment, and morale.
  • Scenarios: Various scenarios such as boarding actions, mutiny, and salvage.
  • Objective: The objective varies by scenario but generally involves securing areas of the ship or completing specific tasks.

    Player Experience

    Azhanti High Lightning offers a complex and engaging experience, particularly for fans of science fiction and tactical combat. The game’s detailed deck plans and comprehensive rulebook provide a rich environment for strategic play. Players must manage their action points carefully and make tactical decisions about cover and combat. The game is praised for its refinement over earlier systems, such as Snapshot, and its integration with other Traveller games like Mercenary.

    Pros

  • Refined Combat System: Improved over previous systems, with clear rules for cover and concealment.
  • Detailed Deck Plans: High-quality maps that provide a realistic setting for combat.
  • Versatile Scenarios: Multiple scenarios offer a variety of gameplay experiences.
  • Integration with Other Games: Compatible with other Traveller games, such as Mercenary and Striker.
  • Awards and Recognition: Won the Charles S. Roberts Award for “Best Fantasy or Science Fiction Game of 1980”.

    Cons

  • Complexity: Can be overwhelming due to the detailed rules and multiple phases.
  • Cost: Original copies are now highly valued and expensive.
  • Outdated Mechanics: Some mechanisms may feel outdated compared to modern standards.

    Personal Thoughts on Azhanti High Lightning

    Azhanti High Lightning is ideal for fans of science fiction and tactical combat, particularly those already familiar with the Traveller universe. It offers a deep and engaging gameplay experience that is rich in strategy and detail. The game is best suited for players who enjoy complex, turn-based combat and are willing to invest time in learning the rules. For collectors and enthusiasts of vintage board games, Azhanti High Lightning remains a highly sought-after and iconic title.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl